ASSESSMENTS
A comprehensive Specific Learning Disorder assessment in Melbourne — a careful look at reading, writing and maths, known as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, to pinpoint where learning breaks down and what will help.
Children, teens & adults
Reading, writing & maths
Strengths-based, not deficit-based
Cognitive assessment included
examples WHO IS IT FOR
A child experiencing challenges with reading, writing or maths despite real effort.
A teen who's bright in conversation but whose written work never seems to match.
An adult or uni student who wants to understand a lifelong struggle, or needs formal documentation for accomodations and support.
A family who want language and understanding, whether or not the outcome unlocks funding.
WHAT WE LOOK AT
We assess for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia
There are many reasons that studying can be difficult. We look at academic skills alongside the cognitive abilities that underpin them, so that we can help identify where a specific learning disorder is the explanation for your challenges.
The report explains what we find in plain language, with practical recommendations for school or study.
Reading (dyslexia)
Decoding, reading fluency and comprehension — how words are recognised, sounded out and understood on the page.
Writing (dysgraphia)
Spelling, handwriting and getting ideas onto the page — the gap between what someone knows and what they can put in writing.
Maths (dyscalculia)
Number sense, calculation and mathematical reasoning — where maths becomes a barrier rather than just a hard subject.
Underlying skills
Phonological processing, working memory and processing speed — the cognitive building blocks that explain why a specific skill is hard.
WHY PEOPLE COME IN
When should I get assessed for a learning disorder?
On their own, none of these symptoms mean a learning difficulties diagnosis. And you don’t need a full list to get in touch. They’re just the things we hear most often.
Reading or spelling that's well behind where you'd expect.
Homework battles, especially around writing or maths.
A school suggesting an assessment to access adjustments or exam accomodations.
A bright kid who's started to say they're "dumb" or hate school.
A uni student needing documentation for exam adjustments or support.
An adult who always found reading or maths hard and finally wants to know why.
HOW IT WORKS
What does a learning disorder assessment involve?
Our Melbourne learning disorder assessment runs over a few steps, spread out to keep things calm rather than crammed into a single overwhelming day.
1
STEP ONE
A first conversation
A 60-minute intake. For children and teens this is a parent/carer session gathering developmental history; for adults it's a self-referral intake gathering background and history. With your consent we may collect information from teachers, GPs or previous reports. Telehealth available where appropriate.
2
STEP TWO
Cognitive testing
Direct cognitive testing (WISC-V for children, WAIS-5 for adults) to understand the thinking skills that underpin learning — usually around two hours.
3
STEP THREE
Academic assessment
Standardised academic testing (WIAT-III) of reading, writing and maths — usually around three hours — to pinpoint exactly where the difficulty sits.
4
STEP FOUR
Report & feedback
A thorough written report in plain language, with specific recommendations for school or study, followed by a 60-minute session to walk through the findings and possible next steps. Feedback can be conducted via telehealth where appropriate.
TESTS & TOOLS
What tools are used in a learning disorder assessment?
WIAT-III
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT TEST
Standardised testing of reading, writing and maths achievement — the core measure that shows exactly where academic skills sit against age expectations.
Cognitive assessment
WISC-V (CHILDREN) · WAIS-5 (ADULTS)
A full cognitive profile — verbal reasoning, visual problem-solving, working memory, processing speed. It shows how this brain handles and interprets information.
CTOPP-2
PHONOLOGICAL PROCESSING
A measure of the sound-processing skills that underpin reading such as an individuals phonological awareness — often the key to understanding dyslexia specifically.
Developmental history
INTERVIEW & RECORDS
School reports, work samples and learning history — the real-world context that shows how difficulties have played out over time.
BASC-3 / BRIEF
ATTENTION & EXECUTIVE SCREENING
Questionnaires on attention and executive functioning — to check whether difficulties may be part of a broader picture like ADHD.
Measures are selected to suit age, language, and the question being asked — so the exact set may differ slightly from the list above. We'll tell you what we're using and why.
FEES
What does a learning disorder assessment cost?
Learning disorder assessment
CHILDREN
$2,800
ADULTS
$2,800
INCLUDED IN THE FEE
All test materials
Time to administer, score and interpret results
All client sessions required for the assessment
A detailed written report
Rebates & funding
Medicare rebates don't generally cover assessments. Some clients may be eligible for rebated assessment appointments under a referral — please check your eligibility with your GP or paediatrician.
We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Many private health extras policies cover a portion — check with your insurer, and we'll provide an invoice you can submit.
See all fees →
COMBINED ASSESSMENTS
Combined ADHD, autism and learning disorder assessments
Learning disorders often sit alongside ADHD or autism. Our Melbourne assessments can look at more than one in a single, coordinated process — sharing one cognitive assessment and one report rather than repeating them, which is why a combined assessment costs less than booking two separately.
ADHD + SLD
$3,800
$3,800
Autism + SLD
$4,000
$3,800
ADHD + Autism + SLD
$4,600
$4,300
Specific learning disorder faq
Specific Learning Disorder Assessment Questions
Not sure if a learning disorder assessment is right for you?
Tell us a bit about what’s prompting the question, and we can talk it through — whether an assessment is the right step, and which one fits.
Get in touch →
